Common Traffic Violation

Some of the common traffic violations in Michigan are listed below. If you visit our Michigan Traffic Resources page you will find a link to the Michigan Legislature that will allow you to look up many of the statutes listed below to see the elements of the offense you are charged with violating.

Basic Speed Rule: A person shall operate a vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other condition then existing. §257.627(1)

Statutory Speed Limit: 70 MPH on parts of freeways under a special speed study §257.628(5) See Other below. 65 MPH, except as noted above, on freeways §257.628(5) 55 MPH on other highways §257.628(1)

A municipal government may establish speed limits on the properties of any board of education, school district or community college district located within its jurisdiction. §257.961

When a state of emergency exists, the governor may reduce the speed limit on any street, highway or freeway via executive order. §257.629b

A person operating a passenger vehicle which is towing another vehicle shall not drive >55 MPH.(2) §257.627(5)

A person shall not operate a school bus >50 MPH (>55 MPH on a limited access highway or freeway). §§257.627(7), 257.627b & 257.1861

Unless a special speed limit has been established, a person shall not operate a motor vehicle in a designated work area >45 MPH. §257.627(9)

A person shall not exceed the maximum safe posted speed limit which has been established for a bridge, causeway or viaduct. §257.631(1)

Except as Noted, Speed Law Violations are Civil Infractions. §257.627(10)

The following are Misdemeanor Offenses: (1) Exceeding the speed limit in a school zone or (2) driving a school bus in excess of 55 MPH limit on a limit on limited access highway or freeway. §§257.627a, 257.627b and 257.901

Penalties

Criminal Sanctions
Imprisonment:
Term (Day, Month, Years, Etc.): Civil Infraction-N/A
Misdemeanor-Not more than 90 days §257.901
Mandatory Minimum Term: NoneTraffic School: A person may be required to attend a traffic education program. §257.907(5)

Licensing Action:
Type of Licensing Action (Susp/Rev): Suspension via a Point System 257.320(1)(d) & (2) and 257.320a
Miscellaneous Sanctions Not Included Elsewhere: Important. A person, who commits a moving violation (e.g. speeding violation), in a construction or school zone is subject to a fine that is double that otherwise prescribed by law. §257.601b